ABC Brisbane remains homeless

The ABC has been forced to abandon plans to relocate its Brisbane base in Newstead amid concerns over soil contamination. The turn of events follows the broadcaster seeking a new home after 16 women contracted cancer at its former premises in Toowong.

Last year, land at Newstead in Brisbane’s inner north was purchased for an estimated $15million. ABC managing director Mark Scott today said Supreme Court action had been initiated to recoup money the ABC had already outlaid as part of its relocation.

In advising staff of the Newstead news via email, Mr Scott said: “Recently, following completion of site remediation work, the ABC discovered the possibility of radioactive contamination affecting parts of the site. Further investigation revealed elevated levels of radiation above the naturally occurring background levels.

“The existence of any elevated levels of radiation is of great concern to the ABC.”

But the developer of the site says they will fight the ABC’s move to cancel the purchase because of elevated levels of radioactive material in the area. Watpac says the land in Newstead in Brisbane is safe and reaches Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

Watpac head Greg Kempton says the land complied with strict environmental regulations and they will fight the cancelling of the contract. “Watpac refute the statements made by the ABC in regards to the suitability of the site for occupancy,” he said.

The ABC’s current newsroom is housed in the TEN Network studios in Mt Coot-tha on Brisbane’s outskirts. Staff in various television and broadcasting sections also operate from seven other temporary sites around the city.

Source: The Australian, ABC